It is proposed to take Nos. 5 and 6.
Order of Business.
May I ask the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper report in which it is suggested that the forthcoming meeting between himself and the British Prime Minister might not take place in Ireland? Can he give us any up-to-date information? I understand and fully appreciate that there are security considerations involved. Could the Taoiseach advert to the fact that protocol clearly demands that this meeting be held in this country?
The Deputy will be aware, as he said, that security requirements preclude any advance announcement of the location or date of this meeting.
I accept what the Taoiseach says about security. Naturally we are all very conscious of that. May I emphasise to the Taoiseach the importance of the protocol aspect and the fact that the last two meetings of this kind were held in Britain, and the importance of ensuring from the point of view of balance that this one is held in this country? I am sure whatever security problems there are, are capable of being overcome. May I mention to the Taoiseach that I may have to make a reasonably long journey myself shortly and may I count on his good offices with regard to my travel arrangements?
The Deputy will have all necessary provisions, diplomatic passports or whatever.
Running into sand.
(Interruptions.)
The little non-entities should keep out of it.
Jealousy will get them nowhere.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to raise on the Adjournment the submission to the EC for an extension of the severely handicapped area scheme.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
Could I ask the Taoiseach have the Government received approval for the raising of the grant level to be given in certain areas, as previously outlined in the Cork area ——
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
Will you wait a second? There is a long day ahead of us. What is the hurry? Will you let me ask the question? If approval has been received from the EC, when will the necessary legislation come before the House?
I have no intention of waiting until the Deputy completes an out of order speech. Once it is apparent to me that the matter is out of order, I intend to say so.
May I respectfully suggest that it is a matter of legislation?
It has not been promised, as far as I am aware.
It has not been promised? It has been promised since last May.
Do not be so aggressive. If the legislation has been promised, it is in order.
I was making the point that it is in order. You did not give me time to make it. Can I now ask the question without being aggressive, as you say? When will the legislation be introduced to raise the grants to be allocated to industries at locations already announced in the Cork area?
I will be happy to communicate with the Deputy during the day in respect of the query he raised as to whether legislation is required and what the position is.
The original question was have the Government got approval from the EC.
I will communicate with the Deputy during the day. I cannot go beyond that at the moment.
Can the Taoiseach tell the House why a grant passed by this House in the last Dáil session has not been fully paid to Comhaltas Ceoltéoirí Éireann?
That is not in order.
It has very serious implications for that organisation.
I am not denying that. The Deputy will have to put down a question.
Can I raise it on the Adjournment?
I will communicate with the Deputy.
(Dublin North-West): Would the Taoiseach or the Minister for the Environment make a statement to the House in relation to the proposed £5,000 grant paid to local authorities? It has now been revealed that this grant will be deducted from the loan. The impression was given that this would be a separate grant.
I am lost.
Presumably legislation or regulations will be necessary and the Deputy will have an opportunity to raise the matter at that time.